Blog
First Year Latin in… the first year!
Hello! My question is regarding Henle Latin 1 online. I'd like my 11th-grade son to take your course, but to start it immediately. Since your classes are recorded, is there any way that after I sign up for membership we can access those recorded classes and began...
First try.
Last year, while I was in Athens, Greece studying Greek, I attempted to vlog. This is something I have never attempted, and I don't really know what I think about it. Anyway, I didn't get very far. My son wrecked in Aurora, Colorado while we were in Greece, and my...
Italian pronunciation
If you are trying to master Italian pronunciation (or even, Latin pronunciation), this video is very helpful. https://youtu.be/rICY7JKrDqw Just discovered her site a few days ago. Checking into it more. This looks like it is going to be an excellent resource for...
Any More Word Up DVD’s?
My boys loved your Word Up dvd and thought you were great too. Would love to learn more about your online class? Also, is there a Word Up volume 2? What would you recommend for 6th and 7th graders? Thank you. Gratefully…...
Word Up: Live and “Adumbrate”
Ran across an interesting quote this morning during Word Up: Live! Vocabulary.com quoted Lauren Collins from an article in the New Yorker. "More than any juice cleanse or lottery win or career switch, a foreign language adumbrates a vision of a parallel life." -...
Go long, Hermann!
I've been reading The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. Today I came across this quote. Gibbon is describing the Barbaric tribes far north of the Roman Empire. Well, at least I think is. I suppose it was possible that he was predicting modern...
Henle Latin again.
I received this comment: I’m looking for some help with my Latin study. I am a first year Classical Conversations Challenge B tutor. We are using Henle 1. This is my first year tutoring and also learning Latin. I’m not finding Henle very user-friendly for someone...
First Year Latin by Robert Henle – Live online!
Since Classical Conversations adopted Henle Latin as their preferred Latin textbook, we have received requests from students asking for an online Henle Latin Class. Well… here it is! This fall, I will take students through the first year Henle course! That’s right....
Bad medicine is what I need.
I am re-reading many of the testimonials that have come in through the years. I am mining them for some advertising ideas. Honestly, by March, I am done with Latin. Tired of it. If Latin came over to my house to ask to borrow an egg, I would probably throw the egg...
We are ditching Henle Latin…
I received this question: Hi Dwane, We are ditching Henle Latin and want to start Lingua Latina. Which books do we purchase to begin your class? We are finishing 2nd year of Henle Latin 1. Here is my reply: I try to keep it pretty simple. You could spend a lot of...
First Year Latin by Robert Henle and Visual Latin
People often ask me, "Will Visual Latin help me with First Year Latin by Robert Henle?" Yep. It will. Same language, after all. In fact, a few years ago, I took some time and matched the two. This free guide tells you which Visual Latin lesson to watch if you are...
Does Visual Latin count for high school credit?
People often ask: Is Visual Latin good for high school credit? Here is the reply: In terms of the material it covers, Visual Latin 1 (Lessons 1-30) and 2 (Lessons 31-60) are each good for one high school foreign language credit (2 credits total). By itself, however,...
Well… at least they offer football!
https://youtu.be/kyWFpsAnVuI
Hard to believe, I know.
I receive a lot of emails with a twist on this question: "Which course do I sign up for?" I keep repeating myself, but I don't mind. I get it. Most online providers follow the financial model of the old brick and mortar schools. You know the routine. Application...
Scammed
Years ago, in futile attempt to get permanently out of the classroom, I bought a small house out in the country. The plan was simple. I was going to fix it up and sell it. Then, I was going to do it again. If all went well, I could transfer out of the classroom and...
Well, this is embarrassing.
Slept through my own class this morning. To those of you up early to increase your English Word Power, I am very sorry. My phone was almost dead last night and I forgot to charge it. Since I rarely use my phone, I really should write, "My alarm clock was almost dead...
Spring Sale!
Almost ten years ago, Compass Classroom and I joined forces to create Visual Latin. A few years later, we created the popular etymology series Word Up! This week, Compass Classroom is running their annual Spring sale... because, it's Spring. So, if you have been on...
A helpful video and a poke in the eye of the SJW’s.
While looking for some Greek pronunciation assistance, I came across this video. Here Salman Khan gives us a good overview of the Golden Age of Greece. I found the timeline very helpful. Personally, I still use BC and AD, but most people insist on using BCE and CE...
Read great books… while you have a chance.
I am a fan of Jordan Peterson. I have read his book Twelve Rules For Life and I hope to read it again soon. In this video, he gives students some excellent advice. Follow it. https://youtu.be/QObAkF1_6CE
Yes. There is supposed to be class today.
But... the system will not allow me to log in. Working on it right now... Update. I am locked out, and the software is not loading. Contacting customer support now. We may not be having live classes this morning. Sigh. We do have a backup plan in place,...
Henle Latin, Visual Latin, Lingua Latina, and high school credits.
I received this question: Mom of a Latin 1 student here...do you suggest Latin 1 as a full one credit course? Here is my first reply: If you are referring to Visual Latin, then, yes. Visual Latin 1 = a one-credit course. I suggest students supplement the course by...
Latin pronunciation?
I received this question: My daughter is having trouble with accents marks. Since these are used to determine the pronunciation of a letter/word, where do you suggest she review? Would a random YouTube video of Latin alphabet pronunciations suffice or is there...
The two buses
I read this article every year. I read it because I need to be reminded. I read it because it's brilliant. ================================================================================================== Picture this. You’re driving down the highway with your...
My current favorite quote. 🙂
"Dwane, your site offers SOOO much. It’s not that I’m not THRILLED with your prices and costs — everything you offer to members - for the price is truly— well…. I just wanted to say that I would GLADLY pay more for the family membership!” - Winona
A harmless electorate, a servile labor force and a herd of mindless consumers.
While doing some research for a recent rant, I came across the following article by John Taylor Gotto. ================================================= Against School by John Taylor Gatto I TAUGHT FOR thirty years in some of the worst schools in Manhattan, and in...
A second interview with Mike Thomas
Last night I interviewed Mike Thomas again. Mike has written a book on dyslexia (available here: https://amzn.to/2IYpWrB). He also runs the site Dealing With Dyslexia at http://dealingwithdyslexia.com/. Here is our interview from last night:...
Live Q&A tonight.
Just a reminder. Back again with a live interview and Q&A Tonight. At 7 pm (CTZ), I will be conducting another interview with Mike Thomas, dyslexia expert, from the site: dealingwithdyslexia.com His book is available right here: https://amzn.to/2Gf539X At 8 pm...
Can I join the second half of the Lingua Latina class?
I received this question: Would my daughter be equipped to take Lingua Latina 2 if she finishes through Henle 1 lesson 26? Here's my reply: Unfortunately, it isn’t likely. Here is why. First Year Latin by Robert Henle teaches students 497 words, and most of them are...
Book Review #5: First Year Latin by Robert Henle
Some time soon, my students and I will finish reading First Year Latin by Robert Henle. I read this book every year. First things first. Praise where praise is due. First Year Latin by Robert Henle will take you to a New Testament reading level. Sort of. More on...
Lots of free help
The Latin Library is a remarkable source of free Latin help. Start here: http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/101/ By clicking on the links you will find lots of helpful downloads. For example, this week a student sent this helpful link to third conjugation -io...
Coming Monday. Second interview with Mike Thomas… and a live Q&A.
Questions about Visual Latin? Online Latin? Or, just Latin? Live Q&A/orientation class this Monday night. Also... At 7 pm (CTZ), I will be conducting another interview with an expert on dyslexia. At 8 pm (CTZ), I will start the live Q&A. No charge....
Summer Classes?
July and August are just too hot in Tennessee. I am going to try to stay inside. Ergo... I am planning to teach several summer classes. Here is what I am thinking at the moment. A crash course English grammar (English grammar helps with Latin grammar, and vice...
Dealing with dyslexia.
Last night, I interviewed Mike Thomas, from the website dealingwithdyslexia.com. I really enjoyed this interview. This is a subject I knew little about. This interview helped broaden my own understanding of the subject. The full interview is here:...
Live Q&A link…
Live Q&A starting in a few minutes. At 7 pm central time zone, I will be interviewing an expert in dyslexia. At 8 pm central, the live Q&A/Orientation will begin. The first hour will be recorded. Register...
Live Q&A tonight!
Questions about Visual Latin? Online Latin? Or, just Latin? Live Q&A/orientation class tonight. Also... At 7pm (CTZ), I will be interviewing an expert on dyslexia. At 8pm (CTZ), I will start the live Q&A. No charge. Register here (or by clicking Q and A...
A suggested daily schedule for Lingua Latina by Hans Ørberg.
I received this question: I was wondering. Is there any — Well written out some way If one spends 2 weeks on each chapter— Well— perhaps (and maybe you do somewhere??) but list out a good schedule that could be followed for those two weeks?? Here is my reply:...
Tests and Quizzes? Don’t wait for me.
I received this question: My daughter is in your Henle 3 Latin class. Do you provide any grade for the class? Thanks for the info. Here is my reply: Unfortunately, no. As this has been the first year I've ever taught Third Year Latin by Robert Henle, I am still...
National Latin Exam?
Thinking of adding a new class to my site. National Latin Exam. This class would meet each morning (except weekends) to practice old exams. We would meet at 5:45 am central time zone (because I only have time in the mornings). We would meet for about 45 minutes or...
Please read this before you cancel….
Most of my students stay with me for three years. Students will typically take Latin 1, 2 and 3 before moving on. At $25 a month, that’s $300 a year. Remember, That’s access to every class I teach for $300. That’s $300 for the entire family. This is not a per...
Boost your word power with this free class
I've brought the early morning etymology class back. Anyone is welcome to join for free. Just one catch. You've got to get up early. Here's the link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5072626970748798466
Roman chariots and the Space Shuttle
A friend of mine forwarded this email to me. This is pretty amazing. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ For better or worse, there are so, so, so many ways we are still living in the shadow of Rome. The...
Opus?
I received this question: Hi, I am working through Visual Latin. We love the program. We are on Lesson 10. I'm confused on the Reading and Translation. We learned that Predicate Adjectives have to match with the subject nouns that they are describing. This is not...
Buy a bigger pizza.
Quick tip this week. First, some background. I love pizza. I have not figured out how to provide for my family as a pizza blogger. I would if I could. (It's true, Latin. I would leave you for pizza. I am sorry. Gosh... it feels good to admit that publicly.)...
I tried.
Sequence of tenses in Latin is a bewildering concept. Here, I attempted to explain it clearly (Sorry about the poor lighting): https://vimeo.com/259921708
First Year Latin by Robert Henle, or Lingua Latina by Hans Ørberg?
I received this question: Hi Dwane. I am a student in your First Year Latin by Robert Henle. When I started the year I was more than overwhelmed, but I have really liked your class and teaching style. This year I am for the most part understanding the class and...
Be thankful you are not in one of those buses
I read this article once every few months. It reminds me why I will never allow my children to enroll in a government school. ================================================================================================== Picture this. You’re driving down the...
Alert: Lots of problems in the live classes today.
Guys, I don't know what has happened, but today it seems the audio is not working in any of my live classes. I will continue to work on the problem and will re-schedule any classes that are interrupted. I am sorry, everyone. This is pretty rare, but it does...
Ha!
If you grew up in the 90's... you will get it. https://youtu.be/6GVJpOmaDyU
Class from this morning…
Word Up: Live! is back. Here is the class from this morning. We are going to be working our way through the Lingua Latina vocabulary. The class, which meets a 5 AM central time zone, is free to all. However, the old classes are only available to subscribers....
Word Up: Live! is back…
Years ago, my students and I created a master vocabulary document for Lingua Latina. My old site wouldn't allow me to give it away for free. My new site does. Sooo... here you are: https://dwanethomas.com/vocab-for-lingua-latina/ You may also like to know that I will...